Steerable Catheter Assemblies with Torque-Isolated Pump Positioning
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing intracardiac blood pump systems face challenges in precisely positioning and orienting the blood pump within the heart due to limitations in torque application and control, leading to potential kinking and inefficiencies in blood flow.
Innovation Solution
A steerable intracardiac blood pump system with a rotatable shaft and steering mechanism, including a torque input mechanism and coupling mechanism, allows for precise rotation and positioning of the blood pump within the heart, reducing torque transmission to the catheter and enhancing user control.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Manufacturing precision
If a traditional intracardiac blood pump system is used without a steering mechanism, then the device complexity is reduced, but the positioning precision and orientation control of the blood pump within the heart deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The system is divided into separate functional modules: a steering mechanism with torque input mechanism for positioning control, a rotatable shaft for orientation adjustment, and a blood pump assembly for cardiac support. This segmentation allows each component to perform its specific function independently, achieving precise positioning without requiring the entire system to be overly complex.
Solution Approach 2:
A rotatable shaft acts as an intermediary element between the steering mechanism and the blood pump. This shaft transmits rotational motion from the steering mechanism to the blood pump, enabling precise orientation control while isolating the blood pump from direct mechanical complexity of the steering system.
2Manufacturing precision
If torque is applied to position the blood pump, then the positioning precision is improved, but the risk of catheter kinking increases
Solution Approach 1:
The torque input mechanism is extracted and isolated within a housing structure that separates it from the catheter path. The steering mechanism operates independently with its own torque input, allowing positioning to be achieved without applying harmful torsional forces to the catheter, thus preventing kinking while maintaining precision.
Solution Approach 2:
The system incorporates feedback mechanisms to monitor the positioning status and torque application levels. This feedback allows the steering mechanism to adjust torque input in real-time, maintaining positioning precision while preventing excessive torque that could cause catheter kinking.
3Ease of operation
If manual torque application is used for steering, then the device complexity is reduced, but the ease of operation and control precision deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The steering mechanism is designed with self-aligning features and automatic torque distribution that reduce the operator's manual intervention requirements. The system automatically adjusts and distributes torque through the rotatable shaft, providing precise control with minimal manual effort while keeping the overall device complexity manageable.
Applied Scientific Principles
This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.
Function Achieved in This Case
The system enables improved positioning and orientation of the blood pump, minimizing kinking and enhancing the efficiency of blood flow by allowing controlled torque application and feedback mechanisms for precise placement.
Implementation Method 1
The steering mechanism is configured to rotate the shaft to rotate the blood pump
Implementation Method 2
a torque transfer mechanism configured to transfer torque inputted to the torque input mechanism to the shaft to rotate the shaft
Data Source
AI summary
Steerable catheter assemblies, such as, steerable intracardiac blood pump assemblies are provided.